Interview Advice
You’ve been asked to go for an interview. Great, well done! But now what…
The art of succeeding at interview is often a tricky subject for a lot of people. What to do and what to say, as well as what not to. Many people absolutely dread job interviews and find them a truly nerve-racking experience. If this is you, don’t worry. We have a few tips below that might just stop that.
The key is confidence. Having confidence in yourself and your abilities, and having the composure to express this with modesty is half the battle won there and then.
One point to always remember is that your CV has likely been selected over countless others, so you’ve already got a head start. The client already likes what you can offer and it’s now a case of proving that your mentality and abilities are more valuable than those of anyone else…
Preparation
1. Research The Company you are applying to thoroughly, as well as the Job/ Department if possible. Putting in the time here can boost your confidence in the interview, and show your enthusiasm and motivation to work for the company.
2. List Any Requirements / desirables for the position and match up your relevant skills accordingly. This may help if you are grilled on a particular area.
3. Ensure that you can Substantiate Any Claims in your CV (e.g. achievements, competences etc) with fluent verbal examples, as you may be questioned on them.
4. List As Many Questions As Possible in advance that you think the interviewer may ask you, and then plan how you would approach answering them. This can not only give you added confidence in the interview, but will also help you appear more confident too.
5. Understand any possible Weak Areas On Your CV, and plan how to tackle this by turning them into a positive.
6. Make a List Of Questions To Ask The Interviewer at the end of the interview, with a minimum of 10. As many of your questions are likely to be answered over the course of the interview it’s better to start with a bigger list and then picking out about three to ask! Ensure that they are Job/ Company oriented.
7. Remember that there are generally only three types of question.
• ‘Can you do the job?’ = Your Skills, Knowledge and Abilities;
• ‘Will you do the job?’ = Your Motivation and Interest
• ‘Will you fit in?’ = Your character/ how you’ll work with others
8. Practice Questions Aloud. Remember, you can have every perfect answer written down in your preparation but if you lack the conviction and ability to verbally project them you will cut your chances of success.
9. Know Your Route and factor in a generous time for travel. Pre-empt any delays that may arise, and if needed carry out a dry run to give a better indication. Don’t forget to take a map and company contact details with you, just in case.
On The Day…
1. Punctuality is essential and must not be compromised. Ensure you arrive around 10/ 15 minutes early for your interview. Any later and you may enter the interview flustered and lack confidence, however too early can sometimes display poor time management.
2. Never underestimate the power of your Body Language.
• A Smile always helps!
• Confident Handshake, firm but not overpowering.
• Be Alert And Enthusiastic throughout.
• Be Positive throughout the entire interview.
• Feel free to Gesticulate with hand movements, but don’t overdo it as it can make you appear more nervous than you may be.
• Avoid Crossing Your Arms / legs or any other closed / barrier position.
• Ensure you are Dressed Professionally, as the cliché states, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
• Ensure you maintain regular Eye Contact – it enables you to express your honesty and sincerity.
• Don’t forget, the assessment doesn’t just take place in the interview room. For example the interviewer may even ask the receptionist for their opinion on your demeanour, or your social networking profile may be viewed to get a better idea of your suitability.
3. General Tips
• Do Not Interrupt the interviewer.
• Even the best, most experienced candidates can fall down with a lack of Humility. Remember that even when declaring your best selling points, modesty goes a long way.
• Listen Carefully to all questions to ensure you answer them fully and accurately. Keep answers fairly brief, to ensure your communication skills are projected well.
• If offered Always Accept A Glass Of Water, it will steady your nerves and can detract the focus from you.
• Be Completely Truthful in your answers. Whilst you might be nervous, being yourself will ensure that in the long run you will get a position that you are both suited to and will enjoy, whether it’s this job or another.
• At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer if there is Any Other Information you can provide to help them come to a decision and thank them for their time.
Remember, you’re there for a reason. The employer is interested in you, and they have the job that you want. Stay calm, stay confident and be yourself.
Good Luck!
The art of succeeding at interview is often a tricky subject for a lot of people. What to do and what to say, as well as what not to. Many people absolutely dread job interviews and find them a truly nerve-racking experience. If this is you, don’t worry. We have a few tips below that might just stop that.
The key is confidence. Having confidence in yourself and your abilities, and having the composure to express this with modesty is half the battle won there and then.
One point to always remember is that your CV has likely been selected over countless others, so you’ve already got a head start. The client already likes what you can offer and it’s now a case of proving that your mentality and abilities are more valuable than those of anyone else…
Preparation
1. Research The Company you are applying to thoroughly, as well as the Job/ Department if possible. Putting in the time here can boost your confidence in the interview, and show your enthusiasm and motivation to work for the company.
2. List Any Requirements / desirables for the position and match up your relevant skills accordingly. This may help if you are grilled on a particular area.
3. Ensure that you can Substantiate Any Claims in your CV (e.g. achievements, competences etc) with fluent verbal examples, as you may be questioned on them.
4. List As Many Questions As Possible in advance that you think the interviewer may ask you, and then plan how you would approach answering them. This can not only give you added confidence in the interview, but will also help you appear more confident too.
5. Understand any possible Weak Areas On Your CV, and plan how to tackle this by turning them into a positive.
6. Make a List Of Questions To Ask The Interviewer at the end of the interview, with a minimum of 10. As many of your questions are likely to be answered over the course of the interview it’s better to start with a bigger list and then picking out about three to ask! Ensure that they are Job/ Company oriented.
7. Remember that there are generally only three types of question.
• ‘Can you do the job?’ = Your Skills, Knowledge and Abilities;
• ‘Will you do the job?’ = Your Motivation and Interest
• ‘Will you fit in?’ = Your character/ how you’ll work with others
8. Practice Questions Aloud. Remember, you can have every perfect answer written down in your preparation but if you lack the conviction and ability to verbally project them you will cut your chances of success.
9. Know Your Route and factor in a generous time for travel. Pre-empt any delays that may arise, and if needed carry out a dry run to give a better indication. Don’t forget to take a map and company contact details with you, just in case.
On The Day…
1. Punctuality is essential and must not be compromised. Ensure you arrive around 10/ 15 minutes early for your interview. Any later and you may enter the interview flustered and lack confidence, however too early can sometimes display poor time management.
2. Never underestimate the power of your Body Language.
• A Smile always helps!
• Confident Handshake, firm but not overpowering.
• Be Alert And Enthusiastic throughout.
• Be Positive throughout the entire interview.
• Feel free to Gesticulate with hand movements, but don’t overdo it as it can make you appear more nervous than you may be.
• Avoid Crossing Your Arms / legs or any other closed / barrier position.
• Ensure you are Dressed Professionally, as the cliché states, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!
• Ensure you maintain regular Eye Contact – it enables you to express your honesty and sincerity.
• Don’t forget, the assessment doesn’t just take place in the interview room. For example the interviewer may even ask the receptionist for their opinion on your demeanour, or your social networking profile may be viewed to get a better idea of your suitability.
3. General Tips
• Do Not Interrupt the interviewer.
• Even the best, most experienced candidates can fall down with a lack of Humility. Remember that even when declaring your best selling points, modesty goes a long way.
• Listen Carefully to all questions to ensure you answer them fully and accurately. Keep answers fairly brief, to ensure your communication skills are projected well.
• If offered Always Accept A Glass Of Water, it will steady your nerves and can detract the focus from you.
• Be Completely Truthful in your answers. Whilst you might be nervous, being yourself will ensure that in the long run you will get a position that you are both suited to and will enjoy, whether it’s this job or another.
• At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer if there is Any Other Information you can provide to help them come to a decision and thank them for their time.
Remember, you’re there for a reason. The employer is interested in you, and they have the job that you want. Stay calm, stay confident and be yourself.
Good Luck!
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